Classpot

Bede Academy

Northumberland, NE24 2SYSecondaryAges 3–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Apr 2024
Progress 8
-0.10
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.2×
Oversubscribed
152 1st-choice / 129 places
Ranking
#1,765
of 3,141 nationally

About Bede Academy

Bede Academy is a popular choice among Northumberland families, with 152 first-preference applications for 129 places in the 2025/26 secondary intake, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.6. The school made offers to all 129 first-preference applicants, meaning 23 families who put it first missed out. This level of demand suggests a strong local reputation, though it is worth noting that the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024 rated behaviour and attitudes as ‘Requires improvement’ — the only area not judged ‘Good’. The overall effectiveness remains Good, a rating it has held since its previous inspection in 2017. With 24% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a relatively diverse intake compared with the national average.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range3 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChristian
AddressSixth Avenue, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2SY
HeadteacherAndrew Thelwell
Local AuthorityNorthumberland
Number of Pupils2,012
Free School Meals (FSM)24.0%
School Capacity2,012 / 1,780 (113% full)
Sixth FormYes
Nursery ClassesYes

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

30 Apr 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Early Years Provision
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 30 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
LibrarySwimming PoolTheatreArt StudiosPlaying FieldsMusic RoomsSports HallICT SuiteTennis CourtsChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

AthleticsMartial ArtsRugbyCross CountryFootballBadmintonSwimmingHockeyTennis

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubYoung EnterpriseBook ClubEco ClubDebateDramaDuke of EdinburghCodingModel United Nations

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bede Academy

Bede Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.